Observed Drug Testing Collections

DOT Requires the driver to get an immediate DOT Drug Test under Direct Observation without prior notice.

• Failure to Get Tested Immediately when notified is a Refusal-to-Test

Order Observed Drug Tests

Order DOT Drug Tests online or use the Quest Paper Forms we provide.  Once enrolled, only DOT Drug Tests ordered through Express Labs or completed using Express Labs Quest Paper Forms are accepted.

1. Log in to your Express Labs account and click Order Drug Tests
2. Select Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up for the Reason for Testing (Pre-Employment and Random tests are not observed)
3. Select a Collection Site then click Complete Order
4. Check your email for the QPassport (within 30 minutes)
5. Bring QPassport (printed or on your phone) with Photo ID to the Collection Site
6. Call the Collection Site to confirm a Same-Gender Collector is available for Direct Observation and they are accepting walk-ins

• Most Collection Sites will not begin a DOT Drug Test within 3 hours of closing
• Drug Testing Instructions

Invalid Result – Abnormal pH

• Urine pH in a DOT drug test should be 4.5–8. Levels outside this range may show tampering, dilution, or substitution and may require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Immunoassay Interference

• Interference with creatinine levels from medications, metabolites, or abnormal values may cause false positives or negatives and may require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Invalid Creatinine

• Creatinine confirms if a urine sample is genuine. Very low or abnormal levels may indicate dilution or substitution and may require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Bottle A & Bottle B – Different Appearance

• DOT tests split urine into bottle A (primary) and bottle B (split). If the bottles look different, it may signal tampering or contamination and may require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Temperature Out-of-Range

• Urine must be 90°F–100°F at collection. Readings outside this range suggest tampering or substitution. Drivers must give a second sample under direct observation or face a refusal-to-test

Invalid Result – Specific Gravity

• Specific gravity checks urine concentration. Out-of-range results may indicate dilution or adulteration and may require retesting under direct observation

Express Labs FMCSA Random Drug & Alcohol Consortium
Observed Collections | Updated 2026